Sydney, Dec 15 (IANS): Australia's top Muslim cleric has condemned the Sydney cafe hostage taking, saying it is "denounced in Islam".
Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, the country's grand mufti, said the Muslim community was "devastated" by the hostage situation, where an armed man, showing Islamic flags, took over 30 as hostages in the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place, Xinhua reported.
"The grand mufti and the Australian National Imams Council condemn this criminal act unequivocally and reiterate that such actions are denounced in part and in whole in Islam," a statement said.
Sydney's Muslim leaders earlier met to offer help to authorities in the face of the unfolding hostage drama.
Until now, five hostages have escaped from the cafe.